Market outlook
Rising Outlook 7/10
Initial hype around a new chase card, combined with ongoing demand for Steven and Metagross, supports early appreciation. Premium graded copies typically outperform raw cards once the market settles, especially if graded 10 supply remains limited relative to demand.
Next months. Expect volatility near release, but strong raw and graded demand should keep prices firm, especially for mint copies and graded 10s.
Long term. If the set remains popular and Steven continues to be a fan-favorite trainer, this card has a good chance to appreciate steadily, with top-grade copies likely retaining the strongest premium.
History
Steven Stone is a recurring Champion/strong trainer character from the Pokémon franchise, originally introduced as the Hoenn region Champion in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Metagross is his signature Pokémon and is strongly associated with his battle style, strategic theme, and steel/psychic typing. Steven's Metagross ex is a modern character-based Pokémon ex card built around that long-running trainer-Pokémon pairing, which makes it especially appealing to fans of Steven, Hoenn nostalgia, and collector-focused character rare sets.
This specific card first appeared in the 2026 set Ascended Heroes (English-language release data in market listings shows 2026 Pokémon Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes #289/217). The German-language version would be released in the corresponding localized German edition of the same set during the same international product wave, typically at or near the main set launch in Europe/German markets.
- It is a Secret Rare/Special Illustration Rare-style chase card featuring Steven with his Metagross, making it a character-driven collector card rather than a standard playable pull.
- Market listings show it as #289/217, indicating a very low pull-rate slot beyond the main set numbering.
- Current market references already show strong demand across raw and graded copies, with graded 10 and top-pop style premiums far above raw.
Collector notes
Condition. For modern SIR/Secret Rare cards, graders and buyers usually focus on centering, edge whitening, corner quality, surface scratches, print lines, texture consistency, and any factory dents or roller marks. These cards often show visible surface damage under angled light, especially on the full-art textured areas. Because this card is a premium pull, even tiny whitening on corners or slight off-centering can noticeably reduce value.
Storage. Keep the card in a soft penny sleeve inside a fitted top loader or card saver for raw storage, or a sealed slab if graded. Use sleeves that do not scratch textured surfaces. Store upright in a cool, dry, low-humidity environment away from sunlight. If handling frequently, use clean dry hands or cotton gloves and minimize direct contact with the face of the card.
Authenticity. Check for crisp texture, correct holofoil pattern, sharp print resolution, and proper font spacing on the German text. Counterfeits often have dull texture, incorrect color saturation, blurry edges, or mismatched card stock thickness. Compare the card to trusted official scans and confirm the set number, rarity icon, and language-specific text layout. For high-value copies, grading authentication from graded, graded, graded, or similar services reduces counterfeit risk significantly.
